How to Talk to Your Child About Refugees
At Ensemble Therapy, we understand the importance of healing and we want to foster growth throughout our community, so we prioritize partnering with local organizations and volunteering in our community.
We recognize that currently, the system our community has for supporting refugees is in need of volunteers, resources, and assistance. We know that as we practice acceptance and inclusion and honor diverse identities the healing benefits ripple through the community at large, so we want to share with our closest community (you!) why you should explore immigration with your children and how to do so.
Why should I explore immigration and refugees with my child(ren)?
It provides an opportunity for children to identify stereotypes and dispel myths about refugees and asylee students and individuals.
It helps children learn about the economic injustices and systemic oppression in our society.
It prepares children to form thoughtful opinions toward important social problems instead of sheltering them from societal concerns.
It increases empathy towards their refugee classmates/other students and supports them in becoming kind, global citizens.
It’s relevant in our community with Austin having approximately 12,000 refugees as of 2019.
How can I introduce the topic of refugees in a developmentally appropriate way?
Talking to your children about immigration can bring up a lot of different feelings for both adults and children alike. Immigration has been a longstanding and pervasive matter in our community and state, with often strong feelings felt by adults with respect to the political climate.
The idea of teaching or talking about immigration may seem scary for many adults, and yet it is important for children who likely have curiosity and questions and often have classmates who are refugees or immigrants. When choosing to speak about immigration, keep in mind your child’s age and level of understanding. We’ve provided the following information for you to learn more about immigration and refugees and reflect on ways to engage in further discussion within your family.
Here is a potential script you can utilize:
“While many people who live in our country were born here, others have come by choice or out of necessity. Some individuals may have been born in another country but have to leave their homes to find a safer place or to seek better opportunities for their families. Leaving one’s home and learning a whole new place and language can be really hard and scary. They may need help as they start their lives here.
There are many ways we can help people who have been displaced. Think about all of the things that you use or need during the day: breakfast, lunch, dinner, clothes, school supplies, toys. You can donate all these things to people who are moving here and have left many of their things behind. You can volunteer your time and help make them feel welcome.
The most important way to help people who are experiencing being displaced is to treat them just like you would treat your friends or family.”
When you have these discussions with your child, remember that it’s okay to not have a perfect understanding of the topic. If your child asks a question you don’t have the answer to, telling them that you’re not sure but you’ll look for an answer models a growth mindset. It’s okay to not know everything! With that said it can be helpful to go into the conversation with an understanding of some key terms. (Check out UNHCR’s graphic of the information below here.)
How does exploring immigration and refugees have anything to do with mental health?
Understanding immigration and learning about societal concerns increases empathy.
Volunteering to help the system that supports refugees “not only gives us a sense of purpose, but also inspires a belief that we can make a difference in the world. It promotes the feeling of being valuable to others and feeling valued by others. When we volunteer we truly learn what it means to help others, promoting a society that cares and respects others. Helping someone in need puts things into perspective because we begin to realize the things we should be grateful for in our lives.” (Learn more about volunteering in Jaclyn’s blog Experiences Are the Real Gifts.)
Gives you an opportunity to model a growth mindset if your child asks a question you don’t have the answer to.
Can create a sense of safety as without discussion children may come up with their own ideas about immigration and may have fears about their own safety and protection.
Exploring important topics within your family can provide a bonding experience and increase connection and understanding among family members.
Need more ideas on how to talk with your child about immigration and refugees? Check out our next blog in this series about Starting in Your Home.
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WRITTEN BY DAKOTA BECKER, LPC, RPT™, NCC, IPT-CST (SHE/HER/HERS)
Dakota is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Registered Play Therapist™ (RPT™), National Certified Counselor (NCC) and Institute of Play Therapy Certified Sandtray Therapist (IPT-CST). She received her Master’s Degree in Counseling from the University of North Texas through their nationally known play therapy program as well as has her Bachelor’s Degree in Child Development.
WRITTEN BY RACHEL ESPARZA, LPC ASSOCIATE (SHE/HER/HERS)
Rachel Esparza is a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate supervised by Jaclyn N. Sepp, MA, LPC-S, RPT-S™, NCC, RYT® 200. Rachel is also working towards her Registered Play Therapist™ (RPT™) credential. At Texas State University, Rachel earned her Master’s degree in Professional Counseling (CACREP Accredited Program) and her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. She has experience working with children, adolescents, young adults, and families in community counseling settings.